Support Girls’ Education in Rural India

In 2006, my husband and I travelled to rural Tamil Nadu and were privileged to work with ODAM, a local NGO committed to sustainable development and education.. As we drove along the bumpy country roads, one of the ODAM staff remarked rather ominously that we were approaching one of the "most backward blocks in India".In many ways Narikudi truly seemed like a place time had forgotten, herders ushered their goats through the countryside while there were ox driven ploughs in the rice fields; Unsurprisingly for many girls education was simply not an option as many parents sent their daughters to work in factories or fields to supplement the family income.

 

For almost two decades, G Jeyaraj a determined  head teacher, has spent his retirement years and  personal savings securing education for these girls. In 2005, ODAM constructed a primary school for child labourers who had missed out on key years of their education. As these students successfully passed their primary exams, ODAM built a hostel to provide them with accommodation, clothing and medical treatment while they attend the local secondary schools. Many of these young women are now studying at local colleges.

 

The project has flourished as more parents understand the value of education for their daughters, but in order to expand the hostel with growing demand ODAM relies on funding from donors as the project receives no government funding.Together with a group of international volunteers who have seen first hand the difference ODAM has made to the local villages,we are arranging a series of fundraising events worldwide as part of ODAM's "Education is Independence Day" campaign.

 

Here in Singapore we are organizing a sponsored "West to East" cycle ride from Joo Koon to Pasir Ris, a distance of around 25 miles.We would greatly appreciate any sponsors or if you are here in Singapore why not join us? With your help ODAM can allow more girls to complete their education at both primary and secondary level. Not only will you be able to support ODAM's work but also get to laugh at our training photos in our desperate efforts to get fit :)

 

Thanks for your support!

 

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Find out more about ODAM: http://sponsorship.odamindia.org/

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